First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shadow
noun shad·ow \ˈsha-(ˌ)dō\
: a dark shape that appears on a surface when someone or something moves between the surface and a source of light
: an area of darkness created when a source of light is blocked
: a very small amount of something
Full Definition of SHADOW
1
: partial darkness or obscurity within a part of space from which rays from a source of light are cut off by an interposed opaque body
2
: a reflected image
3
: shelter from danger or observation
4
a : an imperfect and faint representation b : an imitation of something : copy
5
: the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light
6
: phantom
7
plural : dark 1a
8
: a shaded or darker portion of a picture
9
: an attenuated form or a vestigial remnant
10
a : an inseparable companion or follower b : one (as a spy or detective) that shadows
11
: a small degree or portion : trace
12
: a source of gloom or unhappiness
13
a : an area near an object : vicinity b : pervasive and dominant influence
14
: a state of ignominy or obscurity
— shad·ow·less \ˈsha-dō-ləs, -də-ləs\ adjective
— shad·ow·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See shadow defined for English-language learners
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Origin of SHADOW
Middle English shadwe, from Old English sceaduw-, sceadu shade
2shadow
verb
: to cover (something) with a shadow
: to follow and watch (someone) especially in a secret way
: to follow and watch (someone who is doing a job) in order to learn how to do the job yourself
Full Definition of SHADOW
transitive verb2
: to cast a shadow upon : cloud
3
obsolete : to shelter from the sun
4
obsolete : conceal
5
: to represent or indicate obscurely or faintly —often used with forth or out
6
a : to follow especially secretly : trail b : to accompany and observe especially in a professional setting
7
archaic : shade 5
intransitive verb
1
: to pass gradually or by degrees
See shadow defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHADOW
before 12th century
3shadow
adjective
—used to describe the members of the main opposition party in British politics who would be given important positions in the government if their party won a national election
Full Definition of SHADOW
1
: of, relating to, or resembling a shadow cabinet <shadow minister of defense>
2
a : having an indistinct pattern <shadow plaid> b : having darker sections of design <shadow lace>
See shadow defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHADOW
1906
Other Government and Politics Terms
SHADOWLIKE Defined for Kids
1shadow
noun shad·ow \ˈsha-dō\
Definition of SHADOW for Kids
1
: the dark figure cast on a surface by a body that is between the surface and the light <My shadow stays with me.>
2
: 1shade 2 <The valley was in shadow.>
3
: phantom
4
: a very little bit : trace <I believe his story beyond a shadow of doubt.>
5
: something that causes a bad feeling <The news cast a shadow over the party.>
6
shadows plural : darkness caused by the setting of the sun
2shadow
verb
shad·owedshad·ow·ing
Definition of SHADOW for Kids
1
: to cast a shadow upon <Trees shadowed the ground.>
2
: to follow and watch closely especially in a secret way
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